The Award winning 36.6 m Classic Cutter Rigged Sloop "Pumula" is designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, interior by Rhoades Young design. "Pumula" features 2 deckhouses on a clean, open deck above a sensitively sheered hull with an elegant transom stern. There is a secluded owner's cockpit behind the aft deckhouse, complemented by a comfortable on-deck dining area between the helm and the main deckhouse. Underwater, a fully ballasted and retractable bulb keel marries performance with shoal draft cruising. Owner's Project Manager for "Pumula" was Jens Cornelsen. "Pumula" was built at Royal Huisman Shipyard.

Our watchword, in designing Pumula, was "understatement". We knew we had to draw a yacht that would be admired for subtle and sensitive interpretation – where all the small details, when taken together, would add up to a compelling result. This aesthetic quality had to be complemented by first class performance, handling, comfort and accommodation – Pumula is not just for show. We drew a classic hull profile with a finely curved bow, sensitive sheer and elegant transom, always keeping in mind the sometimes-opposing demands of accommodation and performance. Low profile, teak-clad deck-houses and carefully-proportioned coamings balance the hull lines, while the tall sloop rig adds a clear sense of purpose.

Special attention was given to the design of a rig and sail plan that would meet performance expectations across the polars and all sea conditions, together with sail management systems that would ensure ease of handling by a small crew.

On deck we sought simplicity and a sense of authenticity. To meet this objective, this yacht could only have a central wheel rather than twin helms, so careful attention had to be given to the sight lines from the helm over the deck-houses. For short-handed sailing, the sail controls needed to be close at hand for the helmsman – but not obviously so. This philosophy informed every aspect of our work on what has turned out to be a highly successful project.